The San Diego International Airport’s $907 million Green Build — with its 10 new gates, easier access and revamped shopping hub — is set to open at Terminal 2 this month.

This construction project, the largest in the airport’s history, promises to expand and speed up air travel for all passengers at Lindbergh Field, including those using Terminal 1. And it will extend the life of the 85-year-old airport.

But it’s not the final chapter in a decades-long debate about how to solve the airport’s projected capacity crunch, and it hasn’t silenced all calls for building a new regional airport elsewhere.

Green Build doesn’t significantly upgrade the crowded Terminal 1 or add a second runway, leaving the overall facility as the busiest single-runway airport in the United States.

Less than a decade ago, the agency that governs Lindbergh Field called for a new regional airport at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, saying the downtown location would max out in space by 2022.

The county’s voters weighed in with Proposition A in 2006 — and overwhelmingly rejected the Miramar proposal. Shortly afterward, the economic downturn and greater airline efficiencies have extended Lindbergh Field’s “max out” date, though not indefinitely.

Sunlight Juxtaposed by Joan Irving, installed in 1997, was moved to the new location in Terminal West 2 near the US Airways and United Airlines ticket counters at San Diego International Airport.
— Howard Lipin / U-T San Diego

The Arrivals road used for both arrivals and & departures until August 13, when Terminal 2 West at San Diego International Airport will open and the road will handle arrivals only.
— Howard Lipin / U-T San Diego

“The citizens of the county spoke. They decided they don’t want a new airport. The Green Build is really a response to that,” said Thella Bowens, CEO and president of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “We decided we must develop Lindbergh Field to its absolute potential.”

A grown-up airport

While Green Build is not the final vision for Lindbergh Field, it is a major upgrade that transportation officials said will buy time and ease congestion on the airport’s runway, roadways and security lines. They stressed that it will bolster efficiency and ultimately make the traveling experience more enjoyable.

All of the Green Build features are located at Terminal 2, which handles domestic and international flights. They include:

• 10 new airplane gates

• A larger security checkpoint

• An elevated road that separates arriving and departing traffic

• $6 million worth of public art

• A “pet relief” station, complete with fire hydrant

• A new terminal building with locally owned food, drink, entertainment and shopping retailers.

Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom, who sits on the airport authority board, said Green Build will offer travelers “a visual delight,” with art features such as the 38,000 LED bulbs that make up an undulating blue ceiling element called “The Journey.”

The new terminal building called Sunset Cove will house vendors, including Stone Brewing Co., Pannikin Coffee & Tea and Phil’s BBQ. There will also be a wine bar, an entertainment stage and two day spas.

Along with those amenities, travelers can expect to save time. The new 12-lane security checkpoint — twice the number of lanes as its predecessor — and the new dual-level roadway “really make us a grown-up airport,” Sessom said.

Shorter security and ticket lines are likely for Terminal 1 as well, largely because United Airlines will move its flights to the expanded Terminal 2, airport officials said.